The Asian studies minor prepares students to thrive in a world shaped by the dynamic societies of East Asia and South Asia. In this interdisciplinary curriculum, students gain a solid global foundation by exploring the history, culture and politics of these world regions. Students study music and literature, along with public health, the environment and more. In addition, students are encouraged to take courses in a language such as Chinese or Japanese.
Students also benefit from the Center for Asian Studies, which creates collaborative research and exchange agreements with academic centers across Asia, among other opportunities by way of USC’s Walker Institute. The minor helps students apply lessons from the region locally and globally, and it makes an excellent addition to a primary area of study in languages and cultures, political science, law, pre-health, business and nonprofit administration. Asian studies is one of six interdisciplinary minors focused on international regions and global themes.
Minor Requirements (18 Hours)
The minor in Asian Studies requires a minimum of 18 credit hours from the courses listed below or other related courses pre-approved by the director of the program. It must include courses from at least three groups listed below. Of the 18 hours, at least 12 must be 300-level or above. In addition, the student is encouraged to take courses in Chinese or Japanese. One 3-hour 200-level course in Chinese or Japanese can be counted towards the minor.
Group I (History)
Course List | Course | Title | Credits |
| HIST 357 | Japan to 1800: Aristocrats and Warriors | 3 |
| HIST 358 | Japan since 1800 | 3 |
| HIST 354 | Modern East Asia | 3 |
| HIST 355 | Late Imperial China | 3 |
| HIST 356 | China Since 1949 | 3 |
| HIST 367 | Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement in India | 3 |
Group II (Political Science)
Course List | Course | Title | Credits |
| POLI 444 | International Relations in Japan | 3 |
| POLI 448 | Politics and Government of China | 3 |
| POLI 489 | Politics and Government of Japan | 3 |
Group III (Anthropology)
Course List | Course | Title | Credits |
| ANTH 242 | Chinese Popular Culture | 3 |
| ANTH 512 | Gender Issues in China | 3 |
Group IV (Literature, Culture and Film Studies)
Course List | Course | Title | Credits |
| ARTH 345 | History of Asian Art | 3 |
| ARTH 545 | Special Topics in Modern Chinese Art | 3 |
| ARTH 546 | Special Topics in Asian Art | 3 |
| CHIN 398 | Selected Topics | 3 |
| CHIN 550 | Advanced Special Topics in Chinese Studies | 3 |
| CHIN 240 | Chinese Culture, Tradition, and Modern Societies | 3 |
| CHIN 335 | Women in China | 3 |
| CHIN 340 | Introduction to Premodern Chinese Literature | 3 |
| CHIN 341 | Modern Chinese Literature | 3 |
| CHIN 365 | Screening China | 3 |
| JAPA 340 | Introduction to Japanese Culture and Literature | 3 |
| JAPA 341 | Modern Japanese Literature | 3 |
| JAPA 350 | Japanese Culture and Society through Film | 3 |
| JAPA 351 | Japanese Culture and Society through Theatre | 3 |
| CPLT 303 | Great Books of the Eastern World | 3 |
Note: Special topics courses dealing with Asia in departments such as Art History, Anthropology or Religious Studies will be included at the discretion of the Asian Studies faculty.
